"june in the year nineteen and twenty-three sarah jane gave birth to baby effie. in st, john's newfoundland, down by the bay, she was named for her aunts effie and mae. second child of many for sarah and will down by the battery, they remember them still. from her grandma thomas she learned how to knit to this day she recalls, the warm winter mitts. from her mother she was taught, how to share to love her neighbours and always care. for when sarah with a gift of white flour was blessed she bagged it up, for the kids there was no rest. all through the battery, no one was let down, to give was an insult but to trade was allowed. for the folks at the battery, were very proud. her dad was a fisherman and taught her well how to cut out the cod tongues, a delicacy to sell she and her brother before dawn with great care, down to the warf, preparing their ware. for a dime a dozen at each door they would sell, beaming with pride when ""we've sold all,"" they could tell. br>the money to mother, then get ready for school. a way of life that is gone for something new. she worked hard when young, she was a pearl as mother's helper with seven boys and seven girls. helping with children and making meals the family came first, that was for real. at the tobacco factory her first job was to be, the wages were low but the cigarettes were free. the she met wally, at a house party at hazel's. he came back to court, he thought she was amazing. she left newfoundland, for bellville to marry, she missed her family and was a little wary. when she got off the train, my cousin recalls, she was the most beautiful woman she ever saw. this was the beginning of her canadian life, for newfoundland was a dominion at that time. living in bellville, odessa and kingston. it wasn't long before she had a son. then three kids followed by forty-nine, a mother of four, she would find. wife, mother and friend, may were blessed. the reasons were different, but she believed, she should open her home to those in need. some moved to the mainland and had to get started. a fire for one or couple that parted. whatever the need, she opened her door. she felt in her heart, that's what friends are for. She is of many talents, as many have seen Her principles are strong, as many have seen. A cook, a philosopher, and an actress she's been. Her principles are strong, never waver or linger, Just ask those who've been confronted with Effie's finger, She has stories to tell, one I recall When everyone left her at the Union Hall. A fine dinner we'd had and everyone left. But when they got home, they couldn't find Ef. Seems everyone thought with others she'd gone, When to their surprise, she had been in the john. When they returned, in the window she sat Waiting patiently, she said, "" I knew you'd be back"". As a mother the message, she's always rehearsed, Whatever life brings, the children come first. A devoted mom, she took special care. Then as a grandmother, she was always there. Today, a great grandma, she enjoys all the while, The little children in her life that make her smile. For how does life go on if you don't have kids? A simple question in life, that some just don't get. A few stories I've shared on this special day. Of my friend and my mother I'm here to say As our Matriarch and idol, you have always shone, I love you dearly and Happy Birthday Mom. Love Always, Diana "   Submitted By: NULL